Diadectes
Sign in to saveDiadectes (meaning crosswise-biter) is an extinct genus of large reptiliomorphs that lived during the early Permian period (Artinskian-Kungurian stages of the Cisuralian epoch, between 290 and 272 million years ago). Diadectes was one of the first herbivorous tetrapods, and also one of the first fully terrestrial vertebrates to attain large size.
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6 sectionsContents
- Description
- Paleobiology
- Discovery
- Classification and species
- Phylogeny
- References
Diadectes (meaning crosswise-biter) is an extinct genus of large reptiliomorphs that lived during the early Permian period (Artinskian-Kungurian stages of the Cisuralian epoch, between 290 and 272 million years ago). Diadectes was one of the first herbivorous tetrapods, and also one of the first fully terrestrial vertebrates to attain large size.
==Description== thumb|left|Restoration thumb|left|Close-up of the skull of Diadectes sideropelicus (AMNH 4684) showing broad teeth thumb|left|Size comparison of Diadectes tenuitectus Diadectes was a heavily built animal, up to long, with a thick-boned skull, heavy vertebrae and ribs, massive limb girdles, and short, robust limbs. The nature of the limbs and vertebrae clearly indicates a terrestrial animal. The rib cage was assumed to be barrel-shaped, but new fossils show the ribs were actually sticking out to the sides.